Blood can fill the space between the skin and the pinna of the ear flap in an ear haematoma.Ear haematomas can happen when cats scratch their ears.If you think your cat has an ear haematoma, you have two treatment options.
Step 1: If you see swelling or tender skin, it's a sign of ear haematoma.
A cat's ear is usually no thicker than 3–4 inches and is shaped like a cone.A large blood blisters look like a newly formed ear haematoma.The ear flap can feel warm or hot.It is possible to create an impression of fluid beneath your fingertips by applying pressure to the ear flap.
Step 2: The cauliflower ear is something to watch out for.
The ear flap will look wrinkled and shrunken if a haematoma is present for more than a few days.The body has begun to reabsorb the fluid after the blood has cloted.There is a chance that the contracted ear has shrunken and blocked the entrance to the ear canal, which can cause ear infections.
Step 3: Learn what causes an earache.
A cat's ear is supported by an inner core of stiff cartilage that is lined on either side of the skin.The skin is nourished by small blood vessels.When the cat scratches at its ears, the scratching may cause the skin to shear away from the cartilage, rupturing the blood vessels and causing blood to leak into the space between the Skin and Cartilage.There is a hematoma.Once pressure builds up in the haematoma, the small vessels stop bleeding.
Step 4: There are many options for treating an ear haematoma.
There are two ways to treat an ear haematoma.Surgery provides a guaranteed outcome but involves a general anesthetic and requires the cat to wear a buster collar for 2 weeks.If it's unsuccessful the first time, medical management can be repeated.If the medical therapy needs to be repeated, the costs can add up.
Step 5: Prepare your cat for anesthesia.
Before the surgery, make sure your cat fasts overnight.Your cat will be given a pre-med injection once it is admitted to the clinic.After about 20 minutes after the anesthesia has taken effect, the vet will remove the fur from your cat's ear flap.
Step 6: Understand the procedure.
The surgery is done in a sterile environment.The aim of the operation is to cut a small slit in the ear flap to allow the blood to drain out.The empty pocket between the skin and the cartilage will be flushed by the vet to remove blood clot and to prevent the haematoma from recurring.
Step 7: You should put a collar on your cat after the surgery.
The cat will not be able to scratch at the sutures.Your cat could potentially tear its own ear out if it got a claw in the suture.
Step 8: Feed your cat bland food
Chicken or white fish can help with nausea.If your cat is sleepy for 24 hours after an anesthesia, don't be alarmed.It is best to keep your cat indoors after surgery.
Step 9: The sutures need to be left in place for a couple of weeks.
During this time, scar tissue will form and help bond the skin.You can schedule an appointment to take your cat to the clinic and have the sutures removed.Your cat can resume its normal lifestyle once the sutures are removed.
Step 10: The site needs to be free of infections.
You may be asked by your vet to wash the incision site with salt water once a day.It can help to remove any oozing from the incision and reduce the amount ofbacteria on the skin surface.
Step 11: Allow the vet to take the haematoma.
Medical treatment involves removing blood from the haematoma and replacing it with a steroid.This works best with a cat that is calm.Local anesthetic cream will be applied to the ear by the vet.If the cat won't tolerate a needle being inserted into the haematoma, it may be necessary to give it a tranquilizer.If this is the case, it is worth re-examining the surgical option since it increases the cost and reduces the benefits of medical therapy.
Step 12: Understand how it's done.
A vet tech will put your cat in a sitting position.The vet put a sterile needle in the most swollen part of the ear.As much of the blood as possible will bepirated by the vet.Once the vet is satisfied that the blood has been removed, he will attach a steroid to a separate needle and then release it into the pocket.
Step 13: The cat should be brought to the vet.
The cat doesn't need a collar to go about its daily routine.There is no need for a specific post-procedure care.After 7 days, bring your cat to the clinic for a checkup.Around 50% of ear haematomas are treated this way.You have to decide if you want to repeat the process or leave the haematoma to contract into a cauliflower ear.
Step 14: It is a good idea to check your cat's ears frequently.
Ear haematomas can be caused by scratching or shaking.Fleas or ear mites are some of the common causes of this.It is possible to decrease the risk of haematoma formation by regularly checking your cat's ears.When compared to the other ear, the ears have a bad smell, redness, and discharge from the ear.Ear discharge can be either a thick, black-brown wax or a yellow-cream purulent material.Either will prompt a visit to the doctor.
Step 15: The control of parasites is something to practice.
It's a good idea to have regular parasites control with effective insecticides.The ivermectin family's products, such as Revolution (US) containing selamectin, have a bonus of killing ear mites.The product is designed to be applied to the back of the neck once a month.Ear mite infections can cause head shaking, and regular application of a selamectin product should kill ear mites that are present and prevent re-infection.